Mortal remains of Chandra Shekhar cremated

New Delhi, July 9: The mortal remains of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar were consigned to flames with full state honours at Ekta Sthal near Rajghat this evening. The body of the octogenarian socialist leader, who died yesterday, was taken in a huge procession from his official South Avenue residence to the Yamuna riverside.

A 21-gun salute was given to the departed leader. The pyre was lit by his eldest son.

Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee, V P Singh, H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral were among those present at the cremation.

A host of dignitaries, including Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha L K Advani, Central Ministers and leaders of from all political parties were also present.

All Government offices were closed after the lunch recess today to enable people to attend the cremation.

As a mark of respect to the departed leader, the national flag will fly at half-mast for seven days (till July 14) to observe state mourning.

UNI

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